Jitters & Things...

What Stuck? & New Curtains

Today was the first day back at school with the students. This year has been interesting. We weren't allowed in our classrooms early due to renovations throughout the building. I had decided earlier in the summer not to go in early this year and I believe it was the best decision I could have made. Our administration was generous enough to give us ample time to prepare for registration last Saturday.
There have been quite a few changes to my room. Nothing spectacular, but different enough to spice things up for me! I moved my desk, added curtains, added a word wall, and updated my filing cabinets and storage unit. Of course, there are a few other things I'd like to do, but time is not on my side at the moment. Between revamping my interactive notebooking technique, designing an advanced course, finishing my Brazil project, planning inservice presentations, and incorporating global competencies in my curriculum, I'd say I'm slightly overwhelmed....but who's not???


Today marked the first day with my new kids. It took me FOREVER to fall asleep! I'm happy I was able to sleep well because upon arriving to school my computer crashed when I was supposed to go meet my homeroom! I was tardy(ish) picking up my kids, but eventually got computer to cooperate.


While You Were Out Board & Turn In Trays

It's so amazing how different each batch of kids is from one year to the next. I'm excited to see how the year unfolds! Today's group of kids completed an anchor chart on what they thought a great teacher should be. I got some very interesting and enlightened responses. We had a great discussion about their expectations of what teachers should and should not do. From the exercise, I was able to learn that my students wanted a teacher that genuinely cares about them and helps them learn. I didn't necessarily learn anything new, it sure does make a HUGE difference actually hearing it straight from the kiddos! Tomorrow's group will clue me in on aspects of a great student! I'm looking forward to an amazing year!!!!



Obsessed with my new The Hungry Caterpillar borde

Homework (ahhh, yeah)!

Today's topic is about homework! However, there's a little twist with this assignment. My students (must to their dismay...at first) receive homework on the very first day of school. This helps to set the tone for the class and lets them know my expectations regarding homework upfront. They quickly learn this assignment is mostly for them to learn how to be responsible.
One the first day of school, I miss up some fun activities with all the "paper work" that has to be done. They get to know things about  me on the first day and then we spend the rest of the week with different activities daily so that the students get to know each other. I conclude the first day by giving my students an assignment called One Million Words or Less. They write this in their agenda and we go through the process of stamping my signature (had 2 personal signature stamps made at Staples two years ago...BEST purchases ever)! After this, I pass out the assignment and then there's a collect sigh of relief when they realize they don't actually have to do any "work."
One Million Words or Less is an assignment for parents to share with me about their child. In a million words or less, they are to tell me whatever it might be that they want me to know. I don't know where I got this idea from, but it has been on of the BEST ways for me to learn about my kids and establish parent to teacher communication. I've learned about illnesses, surgeries, adoptions, summer vacations, siblings and the list could go on forever. In many cases, it helps explain that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Parents have a week to complete the assignment (I do allow e-mails and phone calls). FYI: All the information I gather is confidential. Permission is asked of the parent before anything is said to others.

I do write a little more in my letter to parents, but here's the prompt to get you started if you so choose to use it. Enjoy! :)
How do you get to know your students and establish parent communication?

Welcome y'all!

Who is it exactly that says teachers don't work during summer? They clearly have no idea of whom they speak!

Welcome to my new adventure. The upcoming school year is a BIG one for me and I needed a place to document the excitement outside of my "school" blog. I'm hoping to use this as a place to collect all of my ideas (good and bad...lets hope for mostly good) AND to share stories of my kiddos (since I'm always put on the spot at parties and can never remember the really good story when I need it). I promise I love my kids! :)

So you want to know about me?
I teach World History to about 130 sixth graders. Yes, 130...you read it right.(This year I think we're starting the year about the 145 mark...yeah?) I need all the organizational tips I can get! I love teaching. I love my students. I love my teammates. I feel very blessed and lucky to have such a wonderful support system.

My current goal is to fill you in on my preparations for the beginning of the year. Once the school year starts, I'll share ideas, modifications and plenty of stories. Feel free to post comments and share your ideas and strategies!

Thanks for stopping by!